In a heartening twist of fate, 34 ancient trees at the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology campus in Egmore, previously slated for removal due to a new hospital building construction plan, have been granted a fresh lease on life. Among these venerable trees, including aged tamarind and Madras thorn specimens, some have stood tall for over 70 years and provided shelter to a diverse ecosystem, housing black kites, woodpeckers, and rose-ringed parakeets.

The story takes an inspiring turn as, out of the 36 trees that were carefully transplanted to safeguard them, an astonishing 34 have sprouted new leaves. This remarkable resurgence symbolizes their resilience and their ability to thrive when given a chance. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our natural heritage, fostering urban-green harmony, and highlighting the incredible ability of nature to rebound when given the opportunity.